Setting the maul

Question
I have a question about setting the maul which has come into considerable debate on my club and I was wondering if you could help settle the dispute.  The question has been how to best set the maul- with the 2nd man (first support player) ripping the ball and securing possession / starting the drive (3rd and 4th then setting the platform) or with the 2nd man beginning the set the platform (3rd man sets platform, 4th man ripping).  Thaughts?

Answer
Hi Chris, Sorry about the delay in getting back to you. I guess it all depends on your opposition. Both your examples are correct in different circumstances, Sometimes the 2nd player will rip the ball and set the next platform for the next lot of players. remember that this movement takes less then a minute to perform and execute, again it depends on the opposition.

But if we were not opposed by anyone, like in training. I would go with your 1st option, because momentum has to be carried and this is done by the other players coming in and pushing forward, which is better then your second option.

Hope that helps